Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies taste like apple pie in cookie form! An apple pie spiced cookie is filled with a tender apple filling and topped with a brown sugar crumble and finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are the perfect fall treat – and taste just like mini apple pies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the warm spices of traditional apple pie with the sweetness of caramel, creating an irresistible treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough, filling, and caramel sauce in advance, making it simple to whip them up whenever you want something sweet.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the spices or even add nuts for added texture and flavor to make these cookies your own!
• Fun to Assemble: The process of filling and decorating these cookies is enjoyable, making it a great activity for kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming the butter and sugars together, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and beautiful presentation.
• Parchment Paper/Silicone Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
– 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp )
– 2 tbsp apple cider (you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar!)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
– 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
– pinch of flaky sea salt (I love Maldon brand!)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/8 tsp allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– pinch of salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the sugars and mix until creamed together with the butter, about one minute. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients last, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for thirty minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse & peel your apples. Dice them into bite-size chunks. Add all the apple filling ingredients to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for fifteen to eighteen minutes while stirring gently. Taste around fifteen minutes and finish cooking once desired tenderness is reached. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy, ten-minute recipe for making salted caramel sauce. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about twenty minutes or until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls approximately sixty-five grams in size using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them for two hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Melt the butter in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Crumble this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and spices for coating. Roll each dough ball in this mixture before placing about six cookies on each sheet with room between them.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies are cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into their centers, sprinkle on crumble topping, then drizzle over salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days; avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to fresh fruit content.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair each cookie with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a creamy contrast.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Add more salted caramel sauce on top just before serving for additional sweetness and flavor.

Warmed up

• Heat the cookies slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm and gooey.

With a Side of Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apple or pear to complement the apple pie flavor.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the cozy vibes of fall.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Create cookie sandwiches by adding whipped cream or frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures thick, chewy cookies.
• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients for precision, ensuring consistent results.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center.
• Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to avoid breakage.
• Store Correctly: Use an airtight container in the fridge to keep your cookies fresh for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These side dishes complement Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies beautifully. Enjoy them as part of your dessert spread!

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Caramel Sauce – Extra caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling or dipping, enhancing flavor.
3. Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a delicious topping that contrasts well with chewy cookies.
4. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness to your dessert table.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses pairs beautifully with sweet flavors, offering savory contrast.
6. Hot Chocolate – Rich hot chocolate warms you up and complements the cozy flavors of apple pie.
7. Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal favorite enhances fall flavors and creates a comforting experience.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips give an additional texture that goes well with apple-based desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well the dough comes together. Always use room temperature ingredients for best results.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping chilling time can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Skipping the Crumble Topping: The crumble adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the cookie experience significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding preparing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use various apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Each type offers unique flavors!

How do I make gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to maintain texture and taste.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can replace butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs as an alternative to regular eggs for a vegan version.

What should I do if my caramel sauce is too thin?

If your salted caramel sauce is thin, simmer it on low heat for additional time until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts, using different spices, or incorporating other fruits. Give this delightful recipe a try; you’ll love how they capture the essence of fall in every bite!